October snuck up on all of us and there is much ground to cover this month, so we are getting right to it.

There are limited spots available and space for attendees to spread out in the IFB building community room safely for COVID-19. The strategic planning session is in lieu of the annual regional economic summit typically held this upcoming week and part of the WCMEDC's additional safe programming they will be hosting as an alternative. Email wcmedcevents@gmail.com to RSVP.

Shepherd's Home and McCall Public Library Present: Ugly Dolls, an animated adventure in which the free-spirited UglyDolls confront what it means to be different, struggle with a desire to be loved, and ultimately discover who you truly are is what matters most.

Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. A community is defined as the city/town/village where your business address is located. If the business is mobile (a food truck, fishing boat, ride share driver, etc) please use the address where your vehicle is stored during non-business hours. All potential applicants are encouraged to review our FAQ and grant information before applying.

Applications are being accepted in “rounds”. You must submit a new application for each round in order to be considered for funding in that round. Application period for this first round 9/28-10/5 is now open. Apply here.

Application closes on October 5, 2020 at 11:59PM ET. All potential applicants are encouraged to review our FAQ and grant information before applying.

To place an order, please fill out the order form HERE and mail it with a check made out to:

St. Luke’s McCall Auxiliary

Orders due by November 10, 2020!

All orders will be available for pick

Visit itdprojects.org/ID55smithsferry for more information and to sign up for project updates, or call (833) 913-ID55 to speak with a project representative.

For more information about the projects, click the documents below:

Most of the $1.3 million in work will start in September and run through the winter, when visitor activity slows and weather conditions favor construction and rehabilitation work on the MeadowMarsh Forest.

The construction work includes utility upgrades to the Aspen loop in the Peninsula Campground, paving of the road to Osprey Point, and repair of the Peninsula Boat Ramp.

“Ponderosa is a jewel loved by many,” said David Langhorst, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. “This year, it’s getting some needed attention to keep its shine.”

Here is a summary of the upcoming and completed work:

Also occurring but unrelated to the State Park projects, the City of McCall will run a new water line from Carico Road/Miles Standish Road to University Lane, possibly starting in late August and ending by mid-October. Minimal disruptions to traffic are expected.

In the winter, the MeadowMarsh II project will improve the health of 90 acres of forest while decreasing the risk of a catastrophic fire. A combination of targeted tree thinning, prescribed burning and other techniques will restore the historical balance to the forest, which in a natural state should be dominated by Ponderosa pines. The sale of harvested trees is anticipated to raise $88,000, which will fund the restoration work.

Today, largely because of fire suppression, the forest is overgrown with Grand firs and other species vulnerable to severe and potentially uncontrollable fire. Under normal conditions, the Ponderosas are adapted to withstand periodic, low-intensity fires, which clear space and improve forest health. The project will return the forest to a more natural and sustainable state.

COVID precautions will be in effect. We ask participants to wear masks and practice social distancing. Family units can sit together. In person participation is limited to 30 guests only and must RSVP. All sessions are from5:45pm - 8pm at the Crestline Academy (299 3^rd Street, McCall).

Cara Hipwell, Realtor with RE/MAX

October 1^st and 15^th (Every other Thursday)

Ages 12 and up, for new and experienced players alike. Participants must have access to an online device that can run Zoom with both video and audio. To register email: cbruck@mccall.id.us

A book club guided by a scholar, but instead of gathering in the library, we will do walk and talks instead. The theme this year is: the books you wish you read in high school.

- Renee Silvus- Big Magic- October 7th at Warren Wagon/Green Gate intersection. (about 1/2 mile before Yahoo, look for the sign)

- Helen Lojek- Raisin in the Sun - October 21st at Albertsons Starbucks Balcony. Read the play or watch the movie (there are 3 editions of the movie and you are welcome to borrow one from the library).

For more information, to register, and get a free copy of the books call 208-634-5522 or email library@mccall.id.us 

This month’s dialogue will focus on a topic chosen by the community. Participants can email: library@mccall.id.us to receive a Zoom invite.

Friday, October 30^th

Just a quick note to let our members know we finally offer online payment via Intuit with all of our invoicing! Be on the lookout for this feature on your next invoice with us. This will help streamline the process for all!